Shortwood march into next round of Challenge Cup with clinical win at Longlevens

Shortwood United advanced into the Round of 16 of the Hellenic League Marsh Challenge Cup thanks a fantastic display in their 3-0 win over Longlevens.

First half goals from Alex and Dan Gayner saw Wood race into a 2-0 lead, before former Tuffley Rovers midfielder Dom Kent added a third after half time.

On a frosty January evening, Shortwood used the ball better than their hosts – particularly in the first half and eased into a last 16 tie at home to Westfields.

Longlevens went into the game having made a number of changes, and included centre back Ben Williams on the bench, as he returned to action for nearly two years after an ACL injury.

Former Longlevens midfielder, Elliot Martin, had the first chance of the game but blazed over from the edge of the box, on 14 minutes.

Down the other end, Shortwood goalkeeper Billy Thomas was called into action to deny first, Josh Mason, and then Fin Clift.

Shortwood took the lead midway through the first half though, as Alex Gayner cut in from the right hand side and curled past Harvey Moroney.

Gayner was then brought down in the box on the half hour mark, leaving Dan Gayner the task of firing home from 12 yards to double Wood’s lead.

Longlevens had to replace Captain Shaun O’Connor just before the second goal, with Luke Troke coming on and Harrison Iddles moving to midfield – and realistically, it was only then did Longlevens look balanced on the pitch.

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The second half saw Longlevens introduce U18s duo, Callum McLean and Jamol Dare and within seconds the hosts carved out a chance for Austin Parker, but his shot was collected by Billy Thomas.

And it wasn’t too long until Shortwood killed the tie completely, as a corner kick was cleared only as far as Dom Kent, who saw his effort deflect past Moroney and sealed the deal with the Hellenic Division One side.

Ben Williams made his return to action just past the hour mark, replacing Ollie Long as Longlevens started to preserve players ahead of a crunch league fixture at home to Brimscombe & Thrupp on Saturday afternoon.

Alex Gayner and Luke Troke exchanged off target efforts for their sides, with Shortwood seeing the game out easily enough.

Shortwood move through to face Westfields in their Round of 16 tie, which is booked in for Tuesday 20 February and have a free weekend, before heading to Sporting Club Inkberrow next Tuesday.

Longlevens: Moroney, Roddis, Iddles, Long, Parker, C Williams, Sutherland, O’Connor, Mason, Clift, Miles

Subs: Troke, Dare, McLean, Martin, B Williams,

Shortwood United: Thomas, Loveridge, Price, Martin, Tryner, Lyons, Duncan, Kent, A Gayner, Smith, D Gayner

Subs: Byrnes, Bowes, Mace, Foxwell

C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – Dom Kent (Shortwood United)

The Challenge Cup has had a scattered few weeks, with different sides at different stages, so here is how it shapes up at the time of writing:

Fairford Town, Corsham Town and Brimscombe & Thrupp have all made the Quarter Finals after their wins over Slimbridge, Tytherington Rocks and Tuffley Rovers, respectively.

Five Round of 16 ties are in the calendar and the details are (dates subject to change):

Pershore Town vs Worcester City – Tuesday 23 January

Swindon Supermarine Development vs Highworth Town – Tuesday 23 January

Roman Glass St George vs Mangotsfield United – Wednesday 24 January

Aston Clinton Sports vs Letcombe – Saturday 27 January

Shortwood United vs Westfields – Tuesday 20 February

Cover photo taken by and copyright to Brian Rossiter. Check out his Flickr account for all of his pictures by clicking here